1020 AD

Secret Report to Parliamentary Special Branch:
"The ending of the great wars with the Adriatic League has precipitated a period of growth and prosperity for the Aussies. The arrival of Democracy in AD 940, the second nation to achieve such standing, brought about unparalleled trade and commerce. Happy people begat happy people and so on.... a familiar formula for success.

Paul was voted in as the first Aussie President of the new Aussie Republican Democracy.

But Paul became bitter.

He was the one receiving the accolades for the peace and prosperity of his nation but deep down he regretted not wiping the ADRIATIC LEAGUE OFF THE PLANET. He believes we should have taken the military advantage when it was there. There would have been no AL in America and Russia would now be Mongolian and Israeli.."

Manning interupted,
"Paul must not find out that we are discussing this. It would be deemed disloyal. But I must say he, as our current leader, is very unstable and capable of disturbing the balance of peace in the world"

The report continues:
"Paul seems to have a vision of empire. A world where he is the benevolent leader. If our Scientists gain a technological edge and he realises his nations military strength we could be headed for dangerous times."

Manning again:
"This secret report MUST NOT leak. The rest of the world is keen for peace and gaining prosperity similarly to us, by trading and through diplomatic negotiations.

With the upcoming elections I must stand. I must stand against Paul but the people see him as their benefactor so we must get him to make a mistake on the world stage.

I have a plan.
We feed Paul the idea that Israel is not benefiting from the new ways of the world. Many nations helped the Chinese build their nation to become a potential superpower but no one is helping Israel.

We suggest to Paul that he make a strong proposal to the world to rectify the position of the Israelis. ALL nations must cede cities to Israel so that all nations have no less than 30 cities. Currently Israel only has 14 cities. The ALL, the next lowest, has 31.

Paul, we would suggest, could demand that all nations cede at least 2 cities each.

Of course the world community will reject this but Paul will be in a fighting mood, ready to back his words with guns!

We get him to make a military blunder, then, with the new elections, we have every chance of being elected. WE will be able to blame Paul, in the world's eyes, to avoid retribution for any military acts.

I, Manning the Man, WILL become the next President of this fair democracy!"

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The News of the World Reporter from Tiberius, listening to the tapped conversation was dumbfounded.... what should she report? Secrecy was necessary for now...

Her next mission - Zimbabwe.....